Javier Mascherano refuses to rule out leaving Barcelona at end of season

The Argentinian has said he could leave Barcelona in the summer, with reports in Spain claiming he could make a return to Liverpool

Luke Brown
Thursday 09 November 2017 08:49 EST
Comments
Could Mascherano be on his way back to Anfield?
Could Mascherano be on his way back to Anfield? (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Javier Mascherano has refused to rule out leaving Barcelona after next summer’s World Cup, with reports in Spain claiming Liverpool, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain would all be interested in signing the 33-year-old.

Mascherano moved to Barcelona in 2010 from Liverpool and has gone on to establish himself as one of the club’s most important players, winning La Liga four times and the Champions League twice.

However, the defender’s contract expires in 2019 meaning he will be allowed to leave on a free transfer in the summer.

And while away on international duty with Argentina – who take on World Cup hosts Russia and Nigeria in a pair of friendlies – Mascherano refused to rule out quitting the Nou Camp at the end of the current season.

“I am always analysing my situation,” he said in an interview with TyC Sports.

“I do not rule out anything, I do not want to be a prisoner of my words, I will seek my happiness.”

The Spanish newspaper Diario Gol then followed up the interview with a story suggesting that Liverpool would rival Juventus and PSG for Mascherano’s signature.

And the paper also claimed that Lionel Messi was certain his compatriot and team-mate would be leaving this summer.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in